Special Mom’s blog

Community engagement!

What do you do to be involved in the community?

Me and my young man are everywhere in our community!

Yes, we do not attend parties or private functions (not so many invites 😀) but if there is a community event we are there! Yes, the community accepts us 😀!

Our local temple is celebrating it’s 50th year and there are programs almost every weekend! Whenever we can we have sponsored and are part of it!

We are part of many special needs events! Yes, we do not run or volunteer any program but we are there as an active participant!

Tamil Sangam (my language community) holds multiple programs! My son is known by many since we try to get involved or be a participant!

Next weekend is our community day celebration! I have registered my family for a 5k event! With my recovering knee I still do not know how I am going to do that but plan to be there!! Reminding myself to get some epsom bath salts to soak my feet later!

Socializing is very hard for our family! Inviting people or visiting others is even harder! Me and my husband initially have felt really bad about it but as time passed we understood those are part of our autism package. Just being thankful that we are being part of a community and have learnt to live like this! I still remember my son’s development pediatrician telling us we both were very social people! I was telling my mom today morning it is really hard to understand a disability from outside and unless you experience you do not know what it is!

Anyway going out for lunch today! All Indian restaurant owners know my young man and a pizza shop lady loves my young man. What is there more to ask! The community knows us well!

Annual Religious Festival at SV Temple

4 responses to “Community engagement!”

  1. Ab Avatar
    Ab

    I hear you, Ganga. I read and see so much about the isolation of families with individuals with special needs. It’s hard for the child and for the caregivers. I think about this for my son too and my spouse and I as we get older.

    From what I can see in your posts, you do so much to establish connection for your son – hikes, your temple, activities, walking marathons. Honestly, that’s a lot. It may be different from what you and your husband have envisioned, but it’s all very meaningful. 😊 I’m sure it makes a difference to your son’s wellbeing!

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  2. ganga1996 Avatar
    ganga1996

    Thanks Ab! We really have changed the way we live with our situation! Just playing our best with the cards we have! Grateful that we are able to do so many things and not worry about what we lost! But it was an acceptance journey.

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  3. vermavkv Avatar
    vermavkv

    This is such a beautiful and heartfelt reflection on community, acceptance, and family. ❤️

    What shines through most is not what your family doesn’t do socially, but how deeply connected and present you are in the ways that truly matter. Showing up, participating, being recognized and welcomed by your temple, your Tamil community, special needs events, and even local restaurant owners — that is real belonging. ✨

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    1. ganga1996 Avatar
      ganga1996

      Thank you sir! Finding our way into the community as much as we can.

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